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Our Voices

Angie Wordell, Intern-Turned-Director, Offers Employment Advice

MCTC prides itself on creating strong relationships within our community to enhance the educational experiences and career opportunities of its students. More than 50 programs at MCTC have employment rates that are higher than 80 percent, and one of the companies some of our students work with is Graco Inc., a supplier of technology and expertise for the management of fluids in both industrial and commercial applications. We sat down with Graco Operations Director Angie Wordell to hear about her exciting career within the company and to learn about opportunities for MCTC students in the future.

When Angie began working at Graco 20 years ago as an intern, she discovered a myriad of opportunities for advancement within the company. Knowing she aspired to be a manager, Angie held many roles to get where she is today including engineering, supervision, cell manager, plant manager and oversight of their China facility. She ultimately landed back in Minneapolis where she currently works with more than 220 people on her team. During her time at Graco, she took the opportunity to advance her education and pursued a master’s degree in Business Administration at St. Thomas University.

“I enjoy the fast-paced and challenging environment with exposure to many projects within Graco’s wide global scope,” said Angie. “Graco encourages innovation, and if you’re an individual who isn’t afraid to try something new, there are unlimited opportunities for both men and women in every role within the company.”

When Angie speaks of the individuals who desire to work at Graco, she describes qualities including proven drive, intelligence, a mastery of skills and a love of the job. “Career and technical degrees are required to move up within the company,” said Angie. “In fact, a Machine Tool diploma can open the door to a world of possibilities.”

Like Graco, MCTC knows manufacturing is critical to the U.S. economy, and people are needed at every level of an organization from running state-of-the-art machines to leading teams both locally and globally. Entry-level machining positions at Graco can pay from $20–$25 per hour, with opportunities to exceed $30 per hour as an individual rises to the top of the pay scale over the course of six to seven years.

“As students think about their short- and long-term career goals, I encourage starting with a solid educational foundation and including an internship to gain real-world experience,” said Angie. “Our organization is always looking for talented people to join its ranks and take advantage of the opportunities of the future.”

Photo: From left to right, Angie Wordell of Graco, Inc., Kim Munson, instructor of Machine Tool Technology at MCTC and Associate Vice President of Workforce Development at MCTC Mike Christenson.

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